What Are the Dangers of Vicks VapoRub?

Vicks VapoRub has been a staple in many medicine cabinets for more than 100 years, providing relief from colds and sinus congestion. Yet now there's concern that the product may pose a threat to young children.

Features

• Vicks VapoRub contains camphor, eucalyptus oil, levomenthol and turpentine oil. These active ingredients combine to create a strong scent with decongestant properties.

Function

• Vicks VapoRub is applied on the chest to ease the complaints of the common cold. Its powerful menthol smell triggers receptors in the nose and bronchial tubes, opening airways and provides a soothing, warm sensation upon the skin.

Facts

• Dr. Bruce K. Rubin, a professor of pediatrics at Wake Forest University's Brenner Children's Hospital in Winston-Salem, N.C., conducted a study that found Vicks VapoRub irritates the nasal passageways, actually increasing mucus production. In small children, this increased mucus can constrict airways and cause potentially dangerous side effects such as choking and bleeding.

Considerations

• Dr. Rubin performed his study on ferrets, since the animal's airway anatomy and biology closely resembles those of a human.

Warnings

• According to the product's own label, Vicks VapoRub should never be used on children less than two years old. It's only meant to be applied to the chest, back, or throat and not on the nostrils or an open wound.